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    1. Home
    2. Clonazepam - Clonazepam tablet

    Get your patient on Clonazepam - Clonazepam tablet (Clonazepam)

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    Prescribing informationPubMed™ news

    Clonazepam - Clonazepam tablet prescribing information

    • Boxed warning
    • Indications & usage
    • Dosage & administration
    • Contraindications
    • Adverse reactions
    • Drug interactions
    • Description
    • Pharmacology
    • How supplied/storage & handling
    • Data source
    • Boxed warning
    • Indications & usage
    • Dosage & administration
    • Contraindications
    • Adverse reactions
    • Drug interactions
    • Description
    • Pharmacology
    • How supplied/storage & handling
    • Data source
    Prescribing Information
    Boxed Warning

    WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS; ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION; and DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL REACTIONS


    • Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ).
    • The use of benzodiazepines, including clonazepam tablets, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing clonazepam tablets and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction (see WARNINGS ) .
    • The continued use of benzodiazepines, including clonazepam tablets, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of clonazepam tablets after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue clonazepam tablets or reduce the dosage (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS ) .
    Indications & Usage

    INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Seizure Disorders: Clonazepam tablets are useful alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic, and myoclonic seizures. In patients with absence seizures (petit mal) who have failed to respond to succinimides, clonazepam tablets may be useful.


    Some loss of effect may occur during the course of clonazepam treatment (see PRECAUTIONS: Loss of Effect ).

    Panic Disorder: Clonazepam tablets are indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM-V. Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected panic attacks and associated concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks, and/or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.


    The efficacy of clonazepam tablets was established in two 6- to 9-week trials in panic disorder patients whose diagnoses corresponded to the DSM-IIIR category of panic disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials ).


    Panic disorder (DSM-V) is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, i.e., a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort in which four (or more) of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes: (1) palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate; (2) sweating; (3) trembling or shaking; (4) sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; (5) feeling of choking; (6) chest pain or discomfort; (7) nausea or abdominal distress; (8) feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint; (9) derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself); (10) fear of losing control; (11) fear of dying; (12) paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations); (13) chills or hot flushes.


    The effectiveness of clonazepam tablets in long-term use, that is, for more than 9 weeks, has not been systematically studied in controlled clinical trials. The physician who elects to use clonazepam tablets for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

    Dosage & Administration

    DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    Clonazepam is available as a tablet. The tablets should be administered with water by swallowing the tablet whole.


    Seizure Disorders:

    The use of multiple anticonvulsants may result in an increase of CNS depressant adverse effects. This should be considered before adding clonazepam tablets to an existing anticonvulsant regimen.

    Adults: The initial dose for adults with seizure disorders should not exceed 1.5 mg/day divided into three doses. Dosage may be increased in increments of 0.5 to 1 mg every 3 days until seizures are adequately controlled or until side effects preclude any further increase. Maintenance dosage must be individualized for each patient depending upon response. Maximum recommended daily dose is 20 mg.


    Pediatric Patients: Clonazepam tablets are administered orally. In order to minimize drowsiness, the initial dose for infants and children (up to 10 years of age or 30 kg of body weight) should be between 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg/day but not to exceed 0.05 mg/kg/day given in two or three divided doses. Dosage should be increased by no more than 0.25 to 0.5 mg every third day until a daily maintenance dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg of body weight has been reached, unless seizures are controlled or side effects preclude further increase. Whenever possible, the daily dose should be divided into three equal doses. If doses are not equally divided, the largest dose should be given before retiring.


    Geriatric Patients: There is no clinical trial experience with clonazepam tablets in seizure disorder patients 65 years of age and older. In general, elderly patients should be started on low doses of clonazepam tablets and observed closely (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use ).


    Panic Disorder:

    Adults: The initial dose for adults with panic disorder is 0.25 mg twice daily. An increase to the target dose for most patients of 1 mg/day may be made after 3 days. The recommended dose of 1 mg/day is based on the results from a fixed dose study in which the optimal effect was seen at 1 mg/day. Higher doses of 2, 3 and 4 mg/day in that study were less effective than the 1 mg/day dose and were associated with more adverse effects. Nevertheless, it is possible that some individual patients may benefit from doses of up to a maximum dose of 4 mg/day, and in those instances, the dose may be increased in increments of 0.125 to 0.25 mg twice daily every 3 days until panic disorder is controlled or until side effects make further increases undesired. To reduce the inconvenience of somnolence, administration of one dose at bedtime may be desirable.


    Treatment should be discontinued gradually, with a decrease of 0.125 mg twice daily every 3 days, until the drug is completely withdrawn.


    There is no body of evidence available to answer the question of how long the patient treated with clonazepam should remain on it. Therefore, the physician who elects to use clonazepam tablets for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

    Pediatric Patients: There is no clinical trial experience with clonazepam tablets in panic disorder patients under 18 years of age.


    Geriatric Patients: There is no clinical trial experience with clonazepam tablets in panic disorder patients 65 years of age and older. In general, elderly patients should be started on low doses of clonazepam tablets and observed closely (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use ).


    Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of Clonazepam Tablets:

    To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, increased seizure frequency, and status epilepticus, use a gradual taper to discontinue clonazepam tablets or reduce the dosage. If a patient develops withdrawal reactions, consider pausing the taper or increasing the dosage to the previous tapered dosage level. Subsequently decrease the dosage more slowly (see WARNINGS: Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: Dependence ).

    Contraindications

    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Clonazepam tablets are contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:

    • History of sensitivity to benzodiazepines
    • Clinical or biochemical evidence of significant liver disease
    • Acute narrow angle glaucoma (it may be used in patients with open angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate therapy).
    Adverse Reactions

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The adverse experiences for clonazepam tablets are provided separately for patients with seizure disorders and with panic disorder.


    Seizure Disorders: The most frequently occurring side effects of clonazepam tablets are referable to CNS depression. Experience in treatment of seizures has shown that drowsiness has occurred in approximately 50% of patients and ataxia in approximately 30%. In some cases, these may diminish with time; behavior problems have been noted in approximately 25% of patients. Others, listed by system, including those identified during postapproval use of clonazepam tablets are:


    Cardiovascular: Palpitations


    Dermatologic: Hair loss, hirsutism, skin rash, ankle and facial edema


    Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, coated tongue, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, encopresis, gastritis, increased appetite, nausea, sore gums


    Genitourinary: Dysuria, enuresis, nocturia, urinary retention


    Hematopoietic: Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia


    Hepatic: Hepatomegaly, transient elevations of serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase


    Musculoskeletal: Muscle weakness, pains


    Miscellaneous: Dehydration, general deterioration, fever, lymphadenopathy, weight loss or gain


    Neurologic: Abnormal eye movements, aphonia, choreiform movements, coma, diplopia, dysarthria, dysdiadochokinesis, “glassy-eyed” appearance, headache, hemiparesis, hypotonia, nystagmus, respiratory depression, slurred speech, tremor, vertigo


    Psychiatric: Confusion, depression, amnesia, hysteria, increased libido, insomnia, psychosis (the behavior effects are more likely to occur in patients with a history of psychiatric disturbances).


    The following paradoxical reactions have been observed: irritability, aggression, agitation, nervousness, hostility, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nightmares, abnormal dreams, hallucinations.


    Respiratory: Chest congestion, rhinorrhea, shortness of breath, hypersecretion in upper respiratory passages


    Panic Disorder: Adverse events during exposure to clonazepam tablets were obtained by spontaneous report and recorded by clinical investigators using terminology of their own choosing. Consequently, it is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of individuals experiencing adverse events without first grouping similar types of events into a smaller number of standardized event categories. In the tables and tabulations that follow, CIGY dictionary terminology has been used to classify reported adverse events, except in certain cases in which redundant terms were collapsed into more meaningful terms, as noted below.


    The stated frequencies of adverse events represent the proportion of individuals who experienced, at least once, a treatment-emergent adverse event of the type listed. An event was considered treatment-emergent if it occurred for the first time or worsened while receiving therapy following baseline evaluation.

    Adverse Findings Observed in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials:

    Adverse Events Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment:

    Overall, the incidence of discontinuation due to adverse events was 17% in clonazepam tablets compared to 9% for placebo in the combined data of two 6- to 9-week trials. The most common events (≥ 1%) associated with discontinuation and a dropout rate twice or greater for clonazepam tablets than that of placebo included the following:


    Table 2. Most Common Adverse Events (≥ 1%) Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment
    Adverse
    Event
    Clonazepam Tablets
    (N = 574)
    Placebo
    (N = 294)
    Somnolence
    7%
    1%
    Depression
    4%
    1%
    Dizziness
    1%
    < 1%
    Nervousness
    1%
    0%
    Ataxia
    1%
    0%
    Intellectual Ability Reduced
    1%
    0%

    Adverse Events Occurring at an Incidence of 1% or More among Clonazepam Tablets-Treated Patients:


    Table 3 enumerates the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred during acute therapy of panic disorder from a pool of two 6- to 9-week trials. Events reported in 1% or more of patients treated with clonazepam tablets (doses ranging from 0.5 to 4 mg/day) and for which the incidence was greater than that in placebo-treated patients are included.


    The prescriber should be aware that the figures in Table 3 cannot be used to predict the incidence of side effects in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors differ from those that prevailed in the clinical trials. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving different treatments, uses and investigators. The cited figures, however, do provide the prescribing physician with some basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the side effect incidence in the population studied.



    Table 3. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in 6- to 9-Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials •
    •  Events reported by at least 1% of patients treated with clonazepam tablets and for which the incidence was greater than that for placebo.
    † Indicates that the p-value for the dose-trend test (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel) for adverse event incidence was ≤ 0.10.
    ‡ Denominators for events in gender-specific systems are: n = 240 (clonazepam), 102 (placebo) for male, and 334 (clonazepam), 192 (placebo) for female.
    Clonazepam Maximum Daily Dose
    Adverse Event by Body System
    < 1 mg
    n = 96
    %
    1 - < 2 mg
    n = 129
    %
    2 - < 3 mg
    n = 113
    %
    ≥ 3 mg
    n = 235
    %
    All
    Clonazepam Tablets
    Groups
    N = 574
    %
    Placebo
    N = 294
    %
    Central & Peripheral Nervous System
    Somnolence †
    26
    35
    50
    36
    37
    10
    Dizziness
    5
    5
    12
    8
    8
    4
    Coordination Abnormal †
    1
    2
    7
    9
    6
    0
    Ataxia †
    2
    1
    8
    8
    5
    0
    Dysarthria †
    0
    0
    4
    3
    2
    0
    Psychiatric
    Depression
    7
    6
    8
    8
    7
    1
    Memory Disturbance
    2
    5
    2
    5
    4
    2
    Nervousness
    1
    4
    3
    4
    3
    2
    Intellectual Ability Reduced
    0
    2
    4
    3
    2
    0
    Emotional Lability
    0
    1
    2
    2
    1
    1
    Libido Decreased
    0
    1
    3
    1
    1
    0
    Confusion
    0
    2
    2
    1
    1
    0
    Respiratory System
    Upper Respiratory Tract Infection †
    10
    10
    7
    6
    8
    4
    Sinusitis
    4
    2
    8
    4
    4
    3
    Rhinitis
    3
    2
    4
    2
    2
    1
    Coughing
    2
    2
    4
    0
    2
    0
    Pharyngitis
    1
    1
    3
    2
    2
    1
    Bronchitis
    1
    0
    2
    2
    1
    1
    Gastrointestinal System
    Constipation †
    0
    1
    5
    3
    2
    2
    Appetite Decreased
    1
    1
    0
    3
    1
    1
    Abdominal Pain †
    2
    2
    2
    0
    1
    1
    Body as a Whole
    Fatigue
    9
    6
    7
    7
    7
    4
    Allergic Reaction
    3
    1
    4
    2
    2
    1
    Musculoskeletal
    Myalgia
    2
    1
    4
    0
    1
    1
    Resistance Mechanism Disorders
    Influenza
    3
    2
    5
    5
    4
    3
    Urinary System
    Micturition Frequency
    1
    2
    2
    1
    1
    0
    Urinary Tract Infection †
    0
    0
    2
    2
    1
    0
    Vision Disorders
    Blurred Vision
    1
    2
    3
    0
    1
    1
    Reproductive Disorders ‡
    Female
    Dysmenorrhea
    0
    6
    5
    2
    3
    2
    Colpitis
    4
    0
    2
    1
    1
    1
    Male
    Ejaculation Delayed
    0
    0
    2
    2
    1
    0
    Impotence
    3
    0
    2
    1
    1
    0

    Commonly Observed Adverse Events:


    Table 4. Incidence of Most Commonly Observed Adverse Events • in Acute Therapy in Pool of 6- to 9-Week Trials
    •   Treatment-emergent events for which the incidence in the clonazepam patients was ≥ 5% and at least twice that in the placebo patients.
    Adverse Event
    Clonazepam
    (N = 574)
    Placebo
    (N = 294)
    Somnolence
    37%
    10%
    Depression
    7%
    1%
    Coordination Abnormal
    6%
    0%
    Ataxia
    5%
    0%

    Treatment-Emergent Depressive Symptoms:

    In the pool of two short-term placebo-controlled trials, adverse events classified under the preferred term “depression” were reported in 7% of clonazepam tablets-treated patients compared to 1% of placebo-treated patients, without any clear pattern of dose relatedness. In these same trials, adverse events classified under the preferred term “depression” were reported as leading to discontinuation in 4% of clonazepam tablets-treated patients compared to 1% of placebo-treated patients. While these findings are noteworthy, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) data collected in these trials revealed a larger decline in HAM-D scores in the clonazepam group than the placebo group suggesting that clonazepam-treated patients were not experiencing a worsening or emergence of clinical depression.


    Other Adverse Events Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of Clonazepam Tablets in Panic Disorder:

    Following is a list of modified CIGY terms that reflect treatment-emergent adverse events reported by patients treated with clonazepam tablets at multiple doses during clinical trials. All reported events are included except those already listed in Table 3 or elsewhere in labeling, those events for which a drug cause was remote, those event terms which were so general as to be uninformative, and events reported only once and which did not have a substantial probability of being acutely life-threatening. It is important to emphasize that, although the events occurred during treatment with clonazepam tablets, they were not necessarily caused by it.


    Events are further categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency. These adverse events were reported infrequently, which is defined as occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients.

    Body as a Whole: weight increase, accident, weight decrease, wound, edema, fever, shivering, abrasions, ankle edema, edema foot, edema periorbital, injury, malaise, pain, cellulitis, inflammation localized


    Cardiovascular Disorders: chest pain, hypotension postural


    Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: migraine, paresthesia, drunkenness, feeling of enuresis, paresis, tremor, burning skin, falling, head fullness, hoarseness, hyperactivity, hypoesthesia, tongue thick, twitching


    Gastrointestinal System Disorders: abdominal discomfort, gastrointestinal inflammation, stomach upset, toothache, flatulence, pyrosis, saliva increased, tooth disorder, bowel movements frequent, pain pelvic, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids


    Hearing and Vestibular Disorders: vertigo, otitis, earache, motion sickness


    Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorders: palpitation


    Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: thirst, gout


    Musculoskeletal System Disorders: back pain, fracture traumatic, sprains and strains, pain leg, pain nape, cramps muscle, cramps leg, pain ankle, pain shoulder, tendinitis, arthralgia, hypertonia, lumbago, pain feet, pain jaw, pain knee, swelling knee


    Platelet, Bleeding and Clotting Disorders: bleeding dermal


    Psychiatric Disorders: insomnia, organic disinhibition, anxiety, depersonalization, dreaming excessive, libido loss, appetite increased, libido increased, reactions decreased, aggression, apathy, disturbance in attention, excitement, anger, hunger abnormal, illusion, nightmares, sleep disorder, suicide ideation, yawning


    Reproductive Disorders, Female: breast pain, menstrual irregularity


    Reproductive Disorders, Male: ejaculation decreased


    Resistance Mechanism Disorders: infection mycotic, infection viral, infection streptococcal, herpes simplex infection, infectious mononucleosis, moniliasis


    Respiratory System Disorders: sneezing excessive, asthmatic attack, dyspnea, nosebleed, pneumonia, pleurisy


    Skin and Appendages Disorders: acne flare, alopecia, xeroderma, dermatitis contact, flushing, pruritus, pustular reaction, skin burns, skin disorder


    Special Senses Other, Disorders: taste loss


    Urinary System Disorders: dysuria, cystitis, polyuria, urinary incontinence, bladder dysfunction, urinary retention, urinary tract bleeding, urine discoloration


    Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders: thrombophlebitis leg


    Vision Disorders: eye irritation, visual disturbance, diplopia, eye twitching, styes, visual field defect, xerophthalmia

    Drug Interactions

    Drug Interactions:

    Effect of Concomitant Use of Benzodiazepines and Opioids: The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration. Benzodiazepines interact at GABA A sites, and opioids interact primarily at mu receptors. When benzodiazepines and opioids are combined, the potential for benzodiazepines to significantly worsen opioid-related respiratory depression exists. Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids, and follow patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation.

    Effect of Clonazepam on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs: Clonazepam does not appear to alter the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine or phenobarbital. Clonazepam has the potential to influence concentrations of phenytoin. Monitoring of phenytoin concentration is recommended when clonazepam is co-administrated with phenytoin. The effect of clonazepam on the metabolism of other drugs has not been investigated.

    Effect of Other Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Clonazepam: Literature reports suggest that ranitidine, an agent that decreases stomach acidity, does not greatly alter clonazepam pharmacokinetics.


    In a study in which the 2 mg clonazepam orally disintegrating tablet was administered with and without propantheline (an anticholinergic agent with multiple effects on the GI tract) to healthy volunteers, the AUC of clonazepam was 10% lower and the C max of clonazepam was 20% lower when the orally disintegrating tablet was given with propantheline compared to when it was given alone.


    The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors sertraline (weak CYP3A4 inducer) and fluoxetine (CYP2D6 inhibitor), and the anti-epileptic drug felbamate (CYP2C19 inhibitor and CYP3A4 inducer) do not affect the pharmacokinetics of clonazepam. Cytochrome P-450 inducers, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and phenobarbital induce clonazepam metabolism, causing an approximately 38% decrease in plasma clonazepam levels. Although clinical studies have not been performed, based on the involvement of the cytochrome P-450 3A family in clonazepam metabolism, inhibitors of this enzyme system, notably oral antifungal agents (e.g., fluconazole), should be used cautiously in patients receiving clonazepam because they may impair the metabolism of clonazepam leading to exaggerated concentrations and effects.

    Pharmacodynamic Interactions: The CNS-depressant action of the benzodiazepine class of drugs may be potentiated by alcohol, narcotics, barbiturates, nonbarbiturate hypnotics, antianxiety agents, the phenothiazines, thioxanthene and butyrophenone classes of antipsychotic agents, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and the tricyclic antidepressants, and by other anticonvulsant drugs.

    Description

    DESCRIPTION

    Clonazepam tablets USP, a benzodiazepine, are available containing 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg of clonazepam, USP. The 0.5 mg tablets are yellow, approximately 7.93 mm, round, biconvex tablet debossed with '0.5' on one side and score on the other side. The 1 mg tablets are light green, approximately 7.93 mm, round, biconvex tablet debossed with '1' on one side and score on the other side. The 2 mg tablets are white, approximately 7.93 mm, round, biconvex tablet debossed with '2' on one side and score on the other side. Each tablet contains anhydrous lactose, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch (corn) and sodium lauryl sulfate. The 0.5 mg tablets also contain D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake and the 1 mg tablets also contain D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake.


    Chemically, clonazepam, USP is 5-( o -Chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-2 H -1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. It is a light yellow crystalline powder. It has a molecular weight of 315.72, molecular formula of C 15 H 10 ClN 3 0 3 and the following structural formula:


    Referenced Image
    Pharmacology

    CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    Pharmacodynamics: The precise mechanism by which clonazepam exerts its antiseizure and antipanic effects is unknown, although it is believed to be related to its ability to enhance the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.


    Pharmacokinetics: Clonazepam is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. The absolute bioavailability of clonazepam is about 90%. Maximum plasma concentrations of clonazepam are reached within 1 to 4 hours after oral administration. Clonazepam is approximately 85% bound to plasma proteins. Clonazepam is highly metabolized, with less than 2% unchanged clonazepam being excreted in the urine. Biotransformation occurs mainly by reduction of the 7-nitro group to the 4-amino derivative. This derivative can be acetylated, hydroxylated and glucuronidated. Cytochrome P-450 including CYP3A, may play an important role in clonazepam reduction and oxidation. The elimination half-life of clonazepam is typically 30 to 40 hours. Clonazepam pharmacokinetics are dose-independent throughout the dosing range. There is no evidence that clonazepam induces its own metabolism or that of other drugs in humans.


    Pharmacokinetics in Demographic Subpopulations and in Disease States: Controlled studies examining the influence of gender and age on clonazepam pharmacokinetics have not been conducted, nor have the effects of renal or liver disease on clonazepam pharmacokinetics been studied. Because clonazepam undergoes hepatic metabolism, it is possible that liver disease will impair clonazepam elimination. Thus, caution should be exercised when administering clonazepam to these patients (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).


    In children, clearance values of 0.42 ± 0.32 mL/min/kg (ages 2 to 18 years) and 0.88 ± 0.4 mL/min/kg (ages 7 to 12 years) were reported; these values decreased with increasing body weight. Ketogenic diet in children does not affect clonazepam concentrations.

    Clinical Trials:

    Panic Disorder: The effectiveness of clonazepam tablets in the treatment of panic disorder was demonstrated in two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of adult outpatients who had a primary diagnosis of panic disorder (DSM-IIIR) with or without agoraphobia. In these studies, clonazepam tablets were shown to be significantly more effective than placebo in treating panic disorder on change from baseline in panic attack frequency, the Clinician’s Global Impression Severity of Illness Score and the Clinician’s Global Impression Improvement Score.


    Study 1 was a 9-week, fixed-dose study involving clonazepam tablets doses of 0.5, 1, 2, 3 or 4 mg/day or placebo. This study was conducted in four phases: a 1-week placebo lead-in, a 3-week upward titration, a 6-week fixed dose, and a 7-week discontinuance phase. A significant difference from placebo was observed consistently only for the 1 mg/day group. The difference between the 1 mg dose group and placebo in reduction from baseline in the number of full panic attacks was approximately 1 panic attack per week. At endpoint, 74% of patients receiving clonazepam 1 mg/day were free of full panic attacks, compared to 56% of placebo-treated patients.


    Study 2 was a 6-week, flexible-dose study involving clonazepam tablets in a dose range of 0.5 to 4 mg/day or placebo. This study was conducted in three phases: a 1-week placebo lead-in, a 6-week optimal-dose, and a 6-week discontinuance phase. The mean clonazepam dose during the optimal dosing period was 2.3 mg/day. The difference between clonazepam tablets and placebo in reduction from baseline in the number of full panic attacks was approximately 1 panic attack per week. At endpoint, 62% of patients receiving clonazepam were free of full panic attacks, compared to 37% of placebo-treated patients.


    Subgroup analyses did not indicate that there were any differences in treatment outcomes as a function of race or gender.

    How Supplied/Storage & Handling

    HOW SUPPLIED


    Clonazepam Tablets, USP are available containing 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg of clonazepam, USP.


    The 0.5 mg tablets are yellow, approximately 7.93 mm, round, biconvex tablet debossed with '0.5' on one side and score on the other side. They are available as follows:


    Bottles of 100                              NDC 59651-722-01

    Bottles of 1000                            NDC 59651-722-99


    The 1 mg tablets are light green, approximately 7.93 mm, round, biconvex tablet debossed with '1' on one side and score on the other side. They are available as follows:


    Bottles of 100                             NDC 59651-723-01

    Bottles of 1000                           NDC 59651-723-99


    The 2 mg tablets are white, approximately 7.93 mm, round, biconvex tablet debossed with '2' on one side and score on the other side. They are available as follows:


    Bottles of 100                             NDC 59651-724-01

    Bottles of 500                             NDC 59651-724-05


    Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

    Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP using a child-resistant closure.


    Dispense with Medication Guide available at: www.aurobindousa.com/medication-guides .


    Distributed by:
    Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc.
    279 Princeton-Hightstown Road
    East Windsor, NJ 08520

    Manufactured by:
    Aurobindo Pharma Limited
    Hyderabad-500 032, India

    Revised: 01/2023

    Data SourceWe receive information directly from the FDA and PrescriberPoint is updated as frequently as changes are made available
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